Hearing Conservation: Required Monitoring
Introduction
The hearing conservation program requires employers to monitor noise exposure levels in a way that accurately identifies employees exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Noise in the Office
The exposure measurement must include all continuous, intermittent, and impulsive noise within an 80 dB to 130 dB range and must be taken during a typical work situation.
This requirement is performance-oriented because it allows employers to choose the monitoring method that best suits each individual situation.
When Must the Employer Repeat Monitoring?
Employers must repeat monitoring whenever changes in production, process, or controls increase noise exposure. These changes may mean that more employees need to be included in the program or that their hearing protectors may no longer provide adequate protection.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-1. Employers must monitor all employees whose noise exposure is equivalent to or greater than a noise exposure received in 8 hours averages _____ dB or more.
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